For some reason (I think I probably actually do know the real reason) I have recently developed a very nostalgic feeling about the old 140 New Montgomery Street building. I spend a lot of time around it these days, just looking, sometimes photographing, always thinking.
Fortunately for me, I have become acquainted a small bit with the project manager/foreman for Plant Construction who will be heading up the renovation of the building. His name is Demetrius Nogara, and he is a very nice guy who always takes a few minutes to chat with me and give me updates on how things are proceeding.
Knowing that Wilson Meany Sullivan’s plans when they bought the building from AT&T were to convert it to condos, I have been convinced that I would never again have the chance to set foot inside — unless by some miracle I become friends with one of the very rich future residents (more likely, I could hope to become official dog walker or errand boy for one of them).
So you can imagine that I am quite happy to hear about possible changes in the plans.
From the San Francisco Business Times:
Condo: No cando ?
J.K. Dineen
San Francisco Business Times
With the condo market still tepid and demand for SoMa office space seemingly insatiable, the developer has been taking prospective office tenants through the old Pacific Bell telephone building in anticipation of a possible renovation.
“We are actively out there exploring the possibility of bringing it back as a multi-tenant office building”, said Elizabeth Billante of Wilson Meany Sullivan. “It would be a complete renovation and rehab of the building – what we envision is something very special.”
Billante said the project could be done on a speculative basis.
“We are running all the traps”, she said.
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Wow, such good news this. Either I could end up working for somebody with an office there, or at least perhaps be able to wangle my way in periodically to visit the old girl and reminisce about the past.